Thinking to go global? Explore our latest insights into international expansion – from company readiness, to product-market fit, international marketing, culture and more…
AI can compare markets faster than most teams could have imagined a few years ago. It can size opportunities, identify competitors, summarise regulations and surface potential customers or partners in minutes. The harder question is whether it can tell you where your business should expand. Imagine you are comparing two
If you run an international business today, it is likely that the way you choose markets looks different from what it did even a few years ago. If it doesn’t, there is a strong case for revisiting the criteria. Tariffs are being used more aggressively, export controls are expanding, and
Narendra Modi visited Australia from 8 to 10 July 2026 for his third visit as India’s prime minister. His previous visits took place in 2014 and 2023. The frequency is striking. Before Modi arrived in 2014, no Indian prime minister had made a bilateral visit to Australia for 28 years.
When I saw the announcement that the United States was giving the United Arab Emirates more favourable access to certain advanced technologies, I was curious. The UAE already enjoys a close defence relationship with Washington, as does Australia. So why did the announcement matter, and what would it actually change
The next phase of global business is being shaped by infrastructure most executives never see. Undersea cables form the backbone of the global internet. They carry the vast majority of the world’s international internet traffic and support the systems that modern companies depend on every day: banking, cloud computing, logistics, customer service, e-commerce, remote work, digital trade and, increasingly, artificial intelligence.
China has just test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the South Pacific. For Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the wider region, this is not just another defence headline. It is a reminder that the strategic environment in the Pacific is changing, and that change has consequences well beyond government and defence circles.
Iran is back in the headlines this week, as Tehran holds a state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But for business leaders, the real story is not the funeral. It is what is happening at sea. Because several weeks after the ceasefire was signed, the Strait of Hormuz is still not operating normally.
The agriculture component of the EU–Australia trade agreeme For European consumer goods and manufacturing firms, the EU–Australia trade agreement presents a clear but often misunderstood opportunity. Much of the attention tends to focus on tariffs and improved market access, but in practice, these are only part of the equation. Commercial
The agriculture component of the EU–Australia trade agreement has been among the most contested aspects of the negotiation. In Australia, many farming groups have been openly critical of the outcome. Concerns have centred on the scale of market access granted to European producers, the treatment of sensitive sectors, and the
For European companies, the EU–Australia trade agreement is often viewed through the lens of goods. But for services and digital businesses, that lens is incomplete. The agreement introduces a set of provisions that directly affect how these firms operate across borders – not only in entering Australia, but in structuring
The EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement marks more than the conclusion of a long negotiation. It introduces a new operating framework for European companies engaging with one of the world’s most stable and strategically positioned economies. Much of the discussion has focused on market access into Europe. For European firms, the
For consumer goods and manufacturing firms, the Australia–EU trade agreement presents a different set of considerations from those affecting services or agriculture. While tariff reductions and improved access are relevant, the commercial outcome is more directly shaped by how well a business aligns its operational structure with European regulatory and
As President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, headlines have focused on tariffs, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and the war in Iran. But beneath the diplomatic theatre lies a deeper reality shaping the global economy: the United States and China remain profoundly interconnected through industrial supply chains.
As US President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, much of the media coverage has focused on the immediate issues on the table: Iran, Taiwan, trade, artificial intelligence, and energy security. But to view this summit simply as a bilateral diplomatic event is to miss the bigger story.
On 1 May 2026, the United Arab Emirates formally left the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). For a country that has been part of the organisation since 1967, the move is significant.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on 17 April represents the single most important development for Australian exporters. This corridor is the primary artery connecting Australia to Gulf markets. At the height of the crisis, more than 150 vessels sat idle outside the strait, effectively freezing trade flows.
On 16 April 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in the Middle East. Markets reacted immediately and headlines reflected a sense of relief. Some observers have already begun to suggest that the worst has passed, but that conclusion moves too quickly. A ceasefire does not end disruption. It
Food and agriculture have dominated discussion of the Australia–EU trade agreement for good reason. Market access for products such as beef, lamb and dairy has been one of the most contested elements of the negotiation, and the final agreement does deliver incremental improvements in this area. However, for exporters, the
The public debate around the Australia–EU trade agreement has focused heavily on goods. For service-based and digital businesses, that focus understates where the most immediate structural change has occurred. The agreement reshapes how these businesses operate across borders – not by eliminating complexity, but by reducing a set of constraints
The Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement has now been finalised, marking a significant development in one of the world’s most sophisticated economic corridors. Much of the public debate has focused on agriculture, which is understandable. Market access for beef, lamb and dairy is politically sensitive, and it has shaped the negotiation
Manufacturers are operating in one of the most volatile global environments in recent decades. Energy prices have fluctuated sharply across key markets. Supply chains remain exposed to geopolitical disruption. Trade relationships are increasingly shaped by strategic considerations rather than purely economic ones. At the same time, cost pressures are intensifying
BIOFACH has always been more than a trade fair. For those of us who have spent decades building international markets, it functions as a strategic barometer. It reveals not only product innovation, but the commercial maturity of a sector. It shows where confidence is growing, where assumptions remain unchallenged, and
International expansion has always been demanding. Right now, it is unforgiving. We’re operating in a period where global trade feels less like a well-oiled machine and more like a system being recalibrated in real time. Tariff regimes shift. Supply chains are being regionalised. Political alliances are tested. Long-standing assumptions about
For many business leaders, AUKUS still feels abstract. It appears in headlines alongside submarines, geopolitics, and long-term defence spending – important, but distant from day-to-day commercial decision-making. As a result, many executives assume AUKUS is either too big, too political, or too slow to be relevant to their business today.
Most New Zealand brands don’t stumble in Australia because their product is bad – they stumble because of the things they didn’t know they didn’t know. On paper, it looks familiar: English-speaking, culturally close, and just across the Tasman. In reality, the mistakes are consistent and costly. Mistake 1: Treating
On 9 February 2026, Japan held a snap general election that produced one of the most consequential political outcomes in its post-war history. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured 316 seats in the 465-seat House of Representatives, giving the party a two-thirds supermajority. Including coalition partners, the
This week, thousands of organic food brands are gathering in Nuremberg for BIOFACH – the world’s most influential organic trade fair, in Nuremburg. For many European brands, it’s an opportunity to showcase their strengths and successes. Strong domestic sales. Credible certifications. Loyal customers. Growing inbound interest from international buyers. And
This article is part of a series adapted from The Global Standard, Cynthia’s forthcoming book on what it really takes to build internationally competitive businesses. In the lead-up to the hardcopy release, we’re unpacking some of the most persistent myths that continue to shape — and limit — global growth.
Over the years, I’ve worked with leadership teams across Europe and Australia who were technically strong, commercially experienced, and deeply proud of what they had built.
When a single announcement produces that much divergence, it’s usually a sign that the headline is doing more work than the substance beneath it. This is a deal that means something — but probably not what either its loudest critics or its most enthusiastic cheerleaders think.
At Davos this year, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said the quiet part out loud. The old international order is not coming back. We are not in a transition. We are living through a rupture. And countries that fail to act together risk finding decisions made for them — not with them.
This blog is part of a series adapted from The Global Standard, Cynthia’s forthcoming book on building internationally competitive businesses. In the lead-up to the hardcopy release, we’re unpacking some of the most persistent myths that hold companies back from global growth. International Business Myths: Success Abroad Relies Solely on
Austria, nestled in the heart of Europe, offers an attractive yet demanding landscape for food and beverage exporters. With nine million consumers, strong purchasing power and a taste for premium quality, it’s often used as both a proving ground ..
Alignment is not a destination; it’s a discipline. For busy leadership teams, sustained high performance requires clarity across three distinct areas: Strategic Direction (WHAT & WHY), Operational Execution (WHO & HOW), and Cultural Barriers (WHY NOT).
Jellycat, a high-end gift brand founded in London in 1999, has become synonymous with “the world’s softest comfort toys”. Since 2013, Jellycat in the Chinese market has become a cult brand beloved by children and adults alike.
In the opening piece of this series, we explored why protectionism doesn’t build prosperity, despite its political appeal. As my forthcoming book, The Global Standard makes clear, protectionist thinking is only one of several outdated narratives that continue to shape how leaders view international business.
Choosing to work with an exclusive distributor is one of the most significant decisions a brand can make when entering an overseas market. For many SMEs, a distributor is the most practical and cost-effective route, but the question of exclusivity can shape everything from market focus to pricing to long-term brand presence.
For centuries, political leaders have promised that protectionism will make their nations stronger. Higher tariffs, tighter industrial policies, subsidies for local producers and regulatory barriers are routinely framed as tools to defend jobs, rebuild domestic manufacturing and secure economic independence.
Indonesia, with its population of over 280 million people, has become one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic e-commerce markets. Even the closure of TikTok Shop in October 2023 couldn’t slow its momentum.
China’s chocolate market is one of the most intriguing frontiers for global confectionery brands: small in per capita consumption, yet full of long-term promise. While the average Chinese consumer eats less than 0.2 kilograms of chocolate per year
Over the last few years, my team and I at Dearin & Associates have had the privilege of working with clients and partners across almost every continent. The scope of our work has been wide and varied: different markets, different industries, different business models.
Vietnam is one of ASEAN’s most promising consumer markets, with a population of around 100 million, a “golden” demographic structure and a growing appetite for international flavours. Yet success demands more than product quality.
When people think of beauty powerhouses, South Korea is usually top of mind. After all, it’s home to K-dramas, dazzling idols turned brand ambassadors, and a pop culture presence that’s hard to miss.
When a U.S. President who spent much of the year rolling out sweeping tariffs suddenly announces a reversal on staples like beef, coffee and bananas, it’s a signal worth unpacking. Over the weekend the Trump administration dropped duties on more than 200 food-imports — including beef, coffee, bananas and orange juice.
If you’re mapping out your Asia strategy, the Philippines might not be the first market that springs to mind, but it probably should be. With more than 110 million people, a young, urbanising population
I was sitting on the train the other day when a young girl tugged at her mother’s sleeve and asked, “Who’s driving the train?” Without hesitation, her mum simply replied, “It’s driverless, darling.” That was it.
The COVID-19 pandemic might be behind us, but its aftershocks are still shaping the way we live and work. What started as a temporary fix: Zoom calls, virtual meetings, endless webinars quietly became our new normal.
The smell of garlic bread fresh from the oven. The stretch of hot mozzarella from slice to slice. The glow of that familiar red logo. For years, Pizza Hut was more than a restaurant; it was a rite of passage, supplying countless birthday parties, after-school hangouts, and sleepovers.
Table of Contents Three Workforce Signals, Three Stories China’s Tang Ping in and a Generation Left Waiting Quiet Quitting in the US Rethinking Workforce Strategy, One Lever at a Time Conclusion Across the world, the meaning of work is being rewritten. From Japan to China to the US, new workforce
I was watching Sky News the other night when a journalist described one of Donald Trump’s deals as “devoid of complexity and history. It was meant as an insult, a way of saying he’d oversimplified something that demanded nuance.
Taiwan is one of those markets that often flies under the radar. It’s sometimes overlooked in broader discussions about Asia, yet full of opportunity for brands that take the time to understand it.
Recently, the US administration announced a new wave of tariffs, including a 100% levy on branded pharmaceuticals entering the United States from October 1, 2025.
Expanding into Asia can completely change the game for your brand. It’s exciting, full of potential, and offers access to some of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. That’s if you get it right.
Once upon a time, Lindt was the stuff of Christmas stockings and duty-free splurges. Now you can find a “Dubai-style” $20 block of chocolate wedged between KitKats and Tictacs at the Coles checkout. Is this clever retail strategy, a sign of shifting tastes
You’ve definitely seen them around…I’m talking about these quirky little figures that have taken global markets by storm, and now the craze has finally landed in New Zealand. Fashionably late, but no less fierce.
Australia Post has suspended most parcel deliveries to the United States effective immediately, leaving thousands of Australian exporters scrambling for alternatives.
As the August 1st tariff deadline passed, the United States followed through with a series of trade policy changes that sent fresh shockwaves through the global economy.
In today’s crowded marketplace, most brands are racing against the clock. And it makes sense. When the average consumer’s attention span lasts just a few seconds, speed almost feels like survival. Launch fast, post often, stay visible.
In today’s market, speed and efficiency matter more than ever. Brands are under pressure to do more with less: less capital, less time, less complexity. That’s why a new playbook is taking hold: instead of building entire distribution systems from scratch..
When uncertainty hits, companies start slashing costs. And which department usually ends up first on the chopping block? You guessed it: marketing.
In 2024, the APAC snacks and confectionery market was valued at over US$64 billion, and Southeast Asia accounts for a significant and fast-growing share of that figure.
Table of Contents Always Start With Market Research Brand Positioning: A Blend of Strategy and Sensitivity Leveraging Premium Pricing as a Power Move Strategic Partnerships to Go Further Conclusion When Starbucks first entered China in 1999, many were sceptical. How could a Western coffee chain succeed in a country with
For European FMCG and mum and baby brands exploring the Chinese market, the 618 Shopping Festival isn’t just another sales event. It’s a live masterclass in how digital retail really works in China, a month-long glimpse into what moves consumers, which platforms are evolving fastest, and how national policy shapes shopper behaviour.
AI is everywhere. From automated emails to sales chatbots, businesses are being optimised, streamlined, and in many cases, dehumanised.
Australia has some of the world’s strictest biosecurity and import compliance protocols, making it both a high-potential and high-risk destination for global brands. For premium food, beverage, and beauty companies, this is not a market you can afford to approach casually. In the first quarter of FY24 alone, the Australian
Though geographically distant, Australia has emerged as a highly attractive market for premium European consumer brands. Its multicultural population, political stability, and strong purchasing power continue to draw significant foreign direct investment.
Table of Contents Product-Market Fit Price & Margin Reality Check Regulatory & Compliance Readiness Supply Chain Capacity Route-to-Market Strategy Brand Story Go-To-Market Budget & Timeline Retail & Channel Network Access Operational & Cultural Fit Long-term Commitment & Resources Conclusion As a premium Francophone F&B manufacturer, you may overlook Australia in
Table of Contents Stage 1: Finding The One Stage 2: The Prenup – Protecting the Dream Stage 3: The Separation – Ending with Dignity The Horrors of Not Having a Strong Contract Conclusion Expanding internationally is a lot like getting married. You’ve found a distributor who gets your product, speaks
In global trade, distributors often operate behind the scenes, but their efforts are indispensable when it comes to entering international markets. While much of the spotlight goes to product innovation and brand positioning, distributors take on the complex, creative work of making someone else’s vision succeed in a new market.
Just as international markets begin to recover from Trump’s Liberation Day Tariff saga, another disruptive policy is looming – one with serious implications for globally mobile professionals, international businesses, and the advisors who support them. On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill
There’s something deeply human about crossing boundaries. For centuries, people have left the safety of their clans in search of something better: a new trade route, fertile land, greater opportunity. In business, going global is the modern equivalent of going “over the hill.” But here’s the paradox: while the tools
Just when you thought Trump tariffs were old news, they’re back in the headlines. Last week, two colleagues told me that “no one was talking about tariffs anymore” … turns out they spoke too soon. If you’ve been following the story, you’ll recall that on 2 April, the President issued
Maintaining brand consistency is the foundation for building trust and loyalty with your customers. But when expanding internationally, simply sticking to the same formula won’t cut it. Adapting your brand to align with local cultures, norms, and preferences is just as critical for success. Get it right, and you can
A significant shift in U.S. financial policy is on the horizon — and it could affect many globally mobile individuals and the advisers who support them. On May 22, the U.S. House narrowly passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (215-214), which includes a proposed 3.5% excise tax on international
Table of Contents Why Website Speed Matters especially for Expanding Overseas Our Before State: The “It’s Fine” Phase The WP Rocket Game Plan The Aftermath, What Changed Why This Matters to Our Clients What You Can Do Today Final Thought After four years working behind the scenes at Dearin &
Expanding into international markets often involves partnering with contract manufacturers (CMs) to scale production. When done right, a reliable CM can reduce costs, boost efficiency, and help you meet global demand. But this decision is far from straightforward. Too many companies dive into international expansion, assuming their contract manufacturer will
Taking your business to a new market can be exciting and daunting, particularly if you’re experiencing rapid growth in Australia. There is the promise of larger overseas markets like China or the US, but rushing in without proper market research can lead to costly mistakes, false starts, inefficient marketing spend
Do You Really Need an ERP to Succeed? For years, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems have been seen as the backbone of efficient supply chain management. While they are powerful, they’re not always the right solution for every business. Many companies hesitate to invest in an ERP due to high
Table of Contents What Are Trade in Services and Why Does It matter? Services Aren’t Tariffed – But They’re Still at Risk Global Supply Chains for Services Will Be Disrupted Too Could Retaliation Threaten Global Services Trade? Conclusion: Preparing for a Tighter, More Complex Services Trade Landscape Trump’s new tariffs
“The bell on a tiger’s neck can only be untied by the person who tied it.” – China’s Ministry of Commerce Tensions between the US and China are escalating once again. Both countries have recently imposed steep tariffs on each other’s imports — in some cases, as high as 125%,
When President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on 2 April 2025, markets reeled. Stock indices nosedived. Trading partners scrambled. Global supply chains, already strained, shuddered under the weight of uncertainty. It felt like a rupture, a radical shift in the rules of global trade. But in reality, this is just
Just as international businesses were getting used to calmer trade waters, the tariff tide is rising again—and fast. On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new round of tariffs, including a universal 10% levy on all imports to the US, and a punishing 60% tariff on goods from
On 2 April, the Trump administration unveiled its long-promised “Liberation Day” tariffs. These new tariffs, which the White House has badged as “reciprocal” tariffs apply to 180 countries – almost every trading partner the United States has. President Trump justified the tariffs by claiming that the US has been “looted,
The High Cost of Doing Nothing Supply chain management has never been more complex. Companies across every industry are grappling with increased consumer demand, global disruptions, and the constant pressure to reduce costs while improving efficiency. Yet, many businesses still rely on outdated systems or manual processes that lead to
Bad Data = Bad Business Poor inventory data = missed orders. Slow updates = lost revenue. Disconnected systems = frustrated suppliers and customers. Data quality issues disrupt supply chains and create costly inefficiencies. Bad data quality in business can often feel like the blind leading the blind. Without accurate data,
If you’ve been following our blog, you may remember our recent article on how to spot and prevent impersonation scams in 2025. Today, we’re diving into another growing cyber threat: phishing scams. Unlike traditional hacking, phishing doesn’t rely on breaking through firewalls—it exploits human psychology. Scammers prey on urgency and
Table of Contents Trend #1: The US Tech Boom Trend #2: Shifts in U.S. Foreign Policy and European Defense Dynamics Trend #3: Post-Conflict Uncertainty in the Middle East Trend #4: China’s EV Disruption Conclusion 2025 has barely begun, and yet the global trade landscape is already shifting dramatically. From Washington
As micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) expand into international markets, they become prime targets for impersonation scams. These fraudulent schemes not only threaten financial stability but also damage hard-earned reputations and erode customer trust. Understanding how these scams operate and how to protect against them is crucial for safeguarding
The Hidden Cost of Manual Data Entry Manual order processing, inventory updates, and data reconciliation are time-consuming and error-prone. These inefficiencies add up: Every year, supply chain inefficiencies cost businesses millions. 50% of these inefficiencies are caused by manual processes. It’s the classic horror story: An urgent order gets emailed
Table of Contents Implementing Tariffs on Imports from Mexico, China, and Canada What This Means For Your Business Trump’s Rollback on Climate Protections and Policies Adapting to the Changing Trade Landscape As the world’s largest economy and a dominant force in global trade, the United States is once again at
When companies scale internationally, finding the right channel partners is a big milestone. But once you’ve secured them, the next challenge is equipping them with the tools they need to market and sell your products effectively. Pricing books, ordering processes, and supply chain logistics are important, but increasingly, we’re seeing
As I wrote in my recent piece, Is Goal-Setting Just A Bunch of Hype? the process of setting goals promises great things for companies but often falls short. However, when done correctly, goal-setting can be a game-changer, especially for businesses in a scale-up or international expansion phase. Over the past
Table of Contents Why China’s Retail Market Is a Big Deal Trends You Need to Know How to Make It Work for Your Brand Example: Starbucks’ Success in China Is It Worth the Effort? Happy Chinese New Year! As we usher in the Year of the Snake, it’s the perfect
Expanding into international markets is an exciting milestone for any business. However, one of the most complex challenges you’ll face is pricing your product competitively and profitably across diverse global markets. The stakes are high: price too low, and you risk eroding profit margins; price too high, and you may
It’s January and as we start the new year the internet is awash with posts about goal-setting. Particularly popular these days is the contrarian theme “why goal-setting doesn’t work” and you may be wondering, “Is it true? Is goal-setting just a bunch of hype?” My personal belief is that goal-setting
Expanding your business internationally is an exciting opportunity—but let’s be honest, it comes with a hefty price tag. For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) like yours, finding the right funding to scale globally is often the biggest challenge. It’s no surprise that a lack of financing is one of
Congratulations, your business has done so well in Australia – it’s time to bring your success into another market. Introducing your brand into a new territory is exciting, but it can be just as challenging. Take it from my years of experience working with companies in Southeast Asia, I have
In today’s interconnected global economy, sustainability and ethical practices are no longer optional for businesses looking to expand internationally —they are essential. As more governments implement regulations to curb unsustainable practices and consumer preferences shift toward ethical companies, businesses must prioritise sustainability to thrive in global markets. In this blog,
Table of Contents Sustainable Fashion as a Baseline, Not a Bonus Secondhand and Circular Fashion Models Hyper-Personalisation and Customisation Digital Fashion and Virtual Wardrobes Low Inventory and Limited-Edition Drops Inclusivity Beyond Size-Body-Positive Fits and Styles What’s Likely to Decline in 2025? As we step into 2025, the fashion industry is
Table of Contents Run Your Business Remotely with Digital Payments and Fintech Innovations Reach Diverse Audiences with Localized, Culturally Relevant Marketing Strengthen Your Supply Chain with Cloud Computing and Real – Time Tracking Conclusion The global digital transformation of the last few years has revolutionized how companies operate and expand
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